At 8 p.m. this past Monday night, I found myself walking into Newcomb Hall wearing awkwardly towering high heels, a tank top under my winter jacket, and more eye makeup than I ever thought would adorn my practically virginal lids. I was going to be a model.
I've never thought of myself as the model type. I'm not perfectly proportioned, not elegantly lanky and definitely not appealingly pouty. I regularly trip while walking around my own room and will admit to having experienced balance difficulties on the elliptical trainers at the gym.
Despite my distinct lack of practical qualifications to strut my stuff in front of a paying audience, however, I've always been fascinated by what I imagine to be the thrill and rush of confidence accompanying a solo walk down the runway.
Which explains why, last week when I spotted a flier advertising model tryouts for U.Va.'s Fashion Design Club on the back of a bathroom stall, instead of hastily dismissing it, I smiled a little and thought, "Now wouldn't that be interesting..." And interesting it was.
Getting Ready
Once I made the decision to try out, the next major task was finding something to wear.
According to third-year College student Themba Carr, model chair for the Fashion Design Club, it's important to wear something you feel comfortable in -- oh, and don't forget high heels. Of course that leaves you wondering what "comfortable" means. Sweats and heels do seem an unlikely combination.
For first-timers, the decision of what to wear can be a difficult one. Jenni Allen, a first-year College student, admitted to having some trouble choosing. "That was the one thing," she said. "I went through my entire closet. I wasn't sure how formal it would be."
For others, the question of how to parade around gracefully in their chosen apparel was an equally important one. Kelly Vandersluis, a third-year College student, "walked up and down [her] house" in preparation for her moment on the runway, she said.
For me, the quest for a perfectly flattering clothing combination was also elusive. A short skirt to show off my legs?Not in this weather. A pair of Old Navy dress pants seemed immediately more comfortable, a tank top was added and, voila, a model is born. Obliging housemates reviewed the final product, approved, and wished me luck. I was on my way.
Pre-Try Out
From the first moment as I approached the group of about fifteen girls (and one guy!) hovering around the steps leading down to the Newcomb basement, it was clear that my expectations of what a "model tryout" was going to be like were a little misguided.
The first surprise was who was there. The crowd struck me as an almost odd mix, probably because I had been expecting a Victoria's Secret situation. One girl tried out in a t-shirt and loose jeans (and heels, of course), while another sported a more chic ensemble of a tight black sweater, black knee-length skirt, black stockings and black boots. Some wore full makeup, others none. Not many would fit the model stereotype.
The general lack of stick-thin, six-foot models, however, was fine with Sole Salvo, fourth-year College student and co-founder of the Fashion Design Club.
"The designers design for themselves, so we look for real people. For example, my clothes fit people in the 4-6 range, they won't look good on someone who is a 1-2," Salvo said. "The big things we look for are poise, stage presence and ability to move smoothly. Attitude counts for a lot."
Third-year College student and Fashion Design Club president Caroline O'Grady echoed her sentiments: "We just look for confidence in whatever size or ethnicity. We like diversity."
The low-key attitude of the organizers seemed to transfer to the contestants. In keeping with the surroundings, the mood was friendly. There were no competitive glares shot across the room from smoldering eyes. Of course, it was hardly high stakes, with resultant fame and fortune a dim possibility. Disappointingly enough for my keen sense of drama, most prospective models chatted pleasantly, while others waited for their turns in affable silence.
Some participants came with friends or significant others for support. Many decided spur-of-the-moment to try out. Kate Malay, a second-year College student, arrived from Clemons Library wearing jeans and a sweater. "I refused to tell my boyfriend where I was going," she said.
Krissy Schoembs, a fourth-year College student who claimed that her only modeling experience involved many viewings of "Zoolander," also decided to try out on a whim.
"Since this is my last year here, I thought it would be a fun thing to try. Plus, I love the idea of dressing up and putting on makeup," Schoembs said.
And that idea is the Fashion Design Club in a nutshell.
Fashion Design Club
The club was started by fourth years Sole Salvo and Lauren Fritch during their first year at U.Va.
"I was six or seven when I started sewing and around eleven when I started designing my own patterns," Salvo said. "When I got to U.Va., there was no outlet for people interested in fashion."
When Salvo and Fritch met and discovered their mutual interest in fashion, they decided to form a club.
"We put out fliers to advertise and got a bunch of people," Salvo said.
Their first fashion show was in Tuttle dorm and was attended by seventy people, mostly friends. There were three designers and 14 models. Four years later, the Fashion Design Club shows in Newcomb Ballroom regularly sell out, and their model count is up to thirty-six girls and three guys.
For their upcoming March 23 spring show, there were a record fifty models trying out.
The Try Out
The nerves that had generated while awaiting my turn gathered in a flurry as I descended the stairs to the dimly-lit Newcomb Hall basement. The lobby had been transformed into a runway, with approximately eight judges sitting at the opposite end. The black and white tiled floor gleamed hypnotically and instructions were given: Walk, pose, turn, pose, walk, pose, turn, pose, walk.
The music started and I forced myself to start walking. I tried to keep my eyes vacant, but I wanted to watch the judges. Some scribbled notes as I approached, others looked away. I imagined I sensed laughter, but dismissed it as paranoia. However, the distinct possibility of amusement at my earnest and amateur attempts kept coming back. Am I trying too hard? Is my imitation of TV models so visibly hopeless? Is the fact that I barely ever wear high heels glaringly obvious?
But there was hardly any time to dwell on those disturbing thoughts because as soon as it started it was over, leaving me feeling contradictory: It definitely wasn't as bad as expected, but I can't quite feel confident enough to hazard any guess as to how I fared.
Regardless of how it goes, however, one big decision has come out of my questionable attempt to be a model: Assuming it doesn't work out, I'm going to be first in line to buy a ticket to the show.
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | 12 hours agoWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | 2 days agoWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
